The Options Industry Council Joins SEC, Department Of Defense In Investors Town Meeting On June 12

Chicago—June 7, 2002

The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today that it will provide a one-hour options investing seminar at the June 12 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Defense Investors Town Meeting, at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside in Norfolk, VA.

The Town Meeting's Exhibit Hall opens at 4:30 and continues until 9:00 p.m. with various seminars to be held during this time period. OIC will present an options seminar from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and there is no cost for any of the events.

"We're pleased to be included in an all-encompassing financial forum supported by the SEC and the Department of Defense. Investors will have an opportunity to learn about different investment products and personal finance issues," said Paul Stevens, President. "Options are a viable, flexible financial instrument for different market scenarios and OIC is committed to helping investors learn about the possibilities that options can bring to their portfolio."

Jim Bittman, a senior instructor at The Options Institute and an OIC instructor, will teach the one-hour seminar. The seminar will cover a variety of topics related to equity options:

A Brief Introduction to Options

Basic Options Strategies

Questions and Answers about Options

OIC will also participate in the Exhibit Hall, with free OIC educational materials. More information about the seminar is available at the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov. Individuals can register by either calling toll free (877) 404-3222 or sending an e-mail to rsvp@sec.gov.

About OIC

OIC is a non-profit association funded by the American Stock Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange, International Securities Exchange, Pacific Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange and The Options Clearing Corporation. In 2002, OIC is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of providing investors and brokers options education. OIC's resources include: The Options Industry Services call center at 1-888-OPTIONS, an educational Web site at www.888options.com, evening seminars throughout the continental United States and Canada, instructional videos and educational literature and software.

Editors note: Reporters are welcome to attend the seminar to learn more about equity options. To make arrangements please contact Debbie Baratz at either 312-322-6267 or dbaratz@theocc.com.

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This web site discusses exchange-traded options issued by The Options Clearing Corporation. No statement in this web site is to be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security, or to provide investment advice. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person must receive a copy of Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Copies of this document may be obtained from your broker, from any exchange on which options are traded or by contacting The Options Clearing Corporation, One North Wacker Dr., Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60606 (investorservices@theocc.com).